Foliar Fertiliser: Feeding Plants Through the Leaves with Leading New Zealand Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram
Foliar fertiliser means spraying water-soluble nutrients directly onto plant leaves. In effect, it’s like a quick “vitamin boost” through the foliage. Research has long shown that leaves can absorb nutrients via stomata (tiny pores), cuticle and leaf hairs. So foliar feeding bypasses the soil and gives plants nutrients within hours. According to soil scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram, foliar sprays “deliver nutrients exactly when and where they’re needed” during cooler weather (1).
Why It Works in Winter
Foliar feeding is especially handy in cold seasons. When soil temperatures drop, root uptake of nitrogen slows dramatically, so grass barely grows. But a foliar spray can still feed actively growing leaves. Dr Rajendram explains: “Applying foliar fertiliser in winter means you’re n...